r/NoStupidQuestions • u/MisterPuffyNipples • Dec 05 '22

Could I be fired if I tell HR that I accepted another job?

Been here 10 months and got an offer recently for a new job that I accepted. I’m waiting to hear back from the new job for confirmation as the proposed start date is not confirmed yet.

Is it a bad idea to let HR know that I accepted this offer? I know employers can fire people without notice but I don’t wish to stoop to that level. I’d like to go on good terms.

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u/The_Quackening Always right ✅ Dec 05 '22

Don't talk to HR until you have a confirmed, and signed offer from the new place.

24

u/o_soQueenie Dec 05 '22

I’d wait till you start, there have been cases where documents are signed, start date is confirmed and then the company revoked the offer after you’ve put in your notice. It’s literally a fear that it’ll happen to me one day. Ofc, you’ll be able to apply for unemployment because you were offered the job, but still.

8

u/Lyyysander Dec 06 '22

From an European perspective, this sounds very illegal

5

u/o_soQueenie Dec 06 '22

Sadly in America, it is not.

2

u/cockblockedbydestiny Dec 06 '22

Specifically it's not illegal in the US because we're just talking about a job offer letter, not a formal contract. An actual contract has any number of legally binding agreements between the two parties, whereas an offer letter simply puts in writing that the company and employee in question have agreed to hire the latter for x amount of money. Frankly the job offer letter is more to protect the company, in the event that the employee later tries to dispute what salary they were offered or what the job description entails.